Battery information output method, battery information output device, and computer program

Abstract

This invention provides a method for outputting battery information for lead-acid batteries, a battery information output device, and a computer program for use by retailers or maintenance service providers. [Solution] The battery information output method involves a computer storing a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, receiving the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, determining a determination flow based on the received type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, receiving input of the results of the investigation into the lead-acid battery based on the determined determination flow, and if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken based on the received investigation results, deciding not to perform supplemental charging and outputting a prohibition against supplemental charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery information output method, a battery information output device, and a computer program for a lead storage battery.

Background Art

[0002] Lead storage batteries used in mobile bodies such as vehicles and industrial equipment such as uninterruptible power supply devices are power supply sources for various electronic devices. Therefore, if an unexpected malfunction occurs, it may directly lead to a power supply interruption. For this reason, when a malfunction is suspected in a lead storage battery, the lead storage battery is brought to a sales store or a maintenance service provider.

[0003] In many cases, lead storage batteries suspected of having a malfunction have a reduced output voltage, and some of them can be restored by charging. The reduction in output voltage may be caused not only by discharge but also by a disconnection in the power line. When a disconnection is detected, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to take measures to cut off the current so that no current flows.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is necessary to eliminate the occurrence of accidents caused by charging a lead storage battery whose output has decreased due to a disconnection at a sales store or a maintenance service provider.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery information output method, a battery information output device, and a computer program for a lead storage battery used in a sales store or a maintenance service provider.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A battery information output method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure involves a computer storing a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed; receiving the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed; determining a determination flow based on the received type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed; receiving input of the results of the investigation of the lead-acid battery based on the determined determination flow; and, if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken based on the received investigation results, deciding not to perform supplemental charging and outputting a prohibition against supplemental charging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the service system for the lead-acid battery in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the server device. [Figure 3] An example of a decision flow stored in the memory unit is shown. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the client device. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in a service system. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in a service system. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in a service system. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an input screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of an input screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows another example of an input screen. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of an input screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows another example of an input screen. [Figure 13]It is a diagram showing another example of an input screen. [Figure 14] It shows an investigation reception screen for inputting the investigation results for a storage battery. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of an investigation reception screen. [Figure 16] It shows an example of an updated investigation reception screen. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing another example of an investigation reception screen. [Figure 18] It shows another example of an updated investigation reception screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] First, an overview of the battery information output method, battery information output device, and computer program disclosed in this specification will be described.

[0010] (1) The battery information output method is such that a computer stores a determination flow according to the type of a lead storage battery and / or the type of a vehicle or device on which the lead storage battery is mounted, receives the type of the lead storage battery and / or the type of the vehicle or device on which the lead storage battery is mounted, determines a determination flow based on the received type of the lead storage battery and / or the type of the vehicle or device on which the lead storage battery is mounted, receives an input of the investigation results for the lead storage battery based on the determined determination flow, and if it is determined based on the received investigation results that the state of the lead storage battery is a disconnection, determines not to perform a recharge and outputs a prohibition of recharge.

[0011] The lead storage battery targeted by the battery information output method of the present disclosure is not limited to those mounted on vehicles, and may be those mounted on moving bodies such as forklifts, ships, and small airplanes. The lead storage battery may be those mounted on industrial devices such as emergency power supply devices, uninterruptible power supply devices, lighting devices, communication devices, and measuring devices.

[0012] In cases where the engine or motor of a vehicle fails to start, or in the case of a battery-powered vehicle or device that fails to start, etc., when there is a problem with the lead-acid battery, which is the power source, the user or the dealership brings the lead-acid battery itself or the vehicle or device on which it is mounted to the lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance provider. Conventionally, the operator of the retailer or maintenance provider has carried out measurements on the lead-acid battery using a tester in accordance with the manual, and has carried out supplementary charging, replacement, etc. according to the measurement results, and the response has been according to the skill level of the operator. There was a possibility that, while following the manual, the operator might erroneously recharge a lead-acid battery with a disconnected wire.

[0013] According to the battery information output method of the present disclosure, the operator at the lead-acid battery retailer or maintenance provider receives the items to be investigated and the determination results based on the determination flow determined by the type of the lead-acid battery and / or the type of the device on which the lead-acid battery is mounted. In the battery information output information of the present disclosure, based on the determination flow, when disconnection is suspected, it is possible to make the operator more strongly aware of not performing supplementary charging than in the past.

[0014] (2) In the battery information output method of (1) above, the computer sequentially determines the next item to be investigated according to the received investigation results based on the determination flow, and the items include items for investigating the state of the lead-acid battery after supplementary charging is carried out. When the item for carrying out supplementary charging is determined as an item to be investigated, the output of carrying out supplementary charging on the lead-acid battery may be performed.​​​​​​​(3) In the battery information output method described in (2) above, the computer receives input of the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed on a screen displayed on the client device, outputs the determined decision flow, the next item to be investigated based on the decision flow, and an input interface for the results of the investigation for that item on the screen, and if it is determined that supplemental charging should not be performed, the computer may output a message or image corresponding to the prohibition of supplemental charging on the screen.

[0017] With the above configuration, workers at lead-acid battery dealerships or maintenance companies can display screens provided by the client device itself or a computer server on the client device used by the worker, allowing them to input investigation results and visually check judgment results. Rather than relying on their own knowledge and experience while recording on paper slips to make judgments and take action regarding the lead-acid battery in question, workers can receive information from the lead-acid battery manufacturer, enabling them to respond appropriately even with limited knowledge.

[0018] (4) In any one of the battery information output methods described in (1) to (3) above, the computer may also perform the process of outputting a warning image along with prohibiting the supplemental charging.

[0019] With the above configuration, information about accidents can be shown to workers to make them more aware of the risks when supplemental charging should not be performed.

[0020] (5) In the battery information output method described in (4) above, the warning image may include a video or still image of an accident that occurred when a lead-acid battery with a broken wire was charged.

[0021] With the above configuration, when supplemental charging should not be performed, information about accidents can be shown to the worker through video or still images to make them more aware of the dangers. The output screen may display a button or icon containing a link to a page for viewing the video or still images, or a two-dimensional code encoding the link, based on the judgment result according to the judgment flow.

[0022] (6) The battery information output device stores a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed, receives the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed, determines a determination flow based on the received type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed, receives input of the results of the investigation of the lead-acid battery based on the determined determination flow, and if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken based on the received investigation results, it determines not to perform supplemental charging and outputs a prohibition on supplemental charging.

[0023] (7) The computer program stores in the computer a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, receives the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, determines the determination flow based on the received type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, receives input of the results of the investigation of the lead-acid battery based on the determined determination flow, and if it is determined that the state of the lead-acid battery is broken based on the received investigation results, it determines not to perform supplemental charging and executes a process to output a prohibition on supplemental charging.

[0024] The present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating its embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the service system 100 for lead-acid batteries according to this embodiment. The service system 100 supports the work of workers by outputting a judgment procedure when a lead-acid battery dealer or maintenance company receives a complaint from a user or agent regarding a lead-acid battery, and enables the digitization of work records for complaints. The service system 100 also makes it possible to share work records from lead-acid battery dealers or maintenance companies with lead-acid battery manufacturers.

[0026] The service system 100 includes a server device (battery information output device) 1 managed by the lead-acid battery manufacturer and a plurality of client devices 2 used at various locations of lead-acid battery retailers or maintenance operators. Data can be sent and received between the server device 1 and the client devices 2 via a network N. Network N includes network N1, which is the manufacturer's local network or dedicated line. Network N may also include a public communication network N2, which is the so-called Internet, and a carrier network N3.

[0027] Workers at dealerships or maintenance businesses receive complaints from users or agents regarding defects in lead-acid batteries. Using client device 2, workers access server device 1 and input information about the lead-acid battery brought in with the complaint, as well as information about the vehicle or equipment in which the battery was installed. This allows them to receive support through a web application provided by server device 1. Traditionally, workers would fill out paper forms upon receiving a complaint, recording measurement results using a tester or visual inspection results, and then take appropriate action based on the assessment. In contrast, with the service system 100 of this embodiment, workers are generally not required to use paper forms. By inputting information into the web application screen provided by server device 1, workers receive instructions and information regarding complaint processing, as well as assessment results regarding the lead-acid battery's condition, and can create work records on the web application.

[0028] The following describes the configuration and processing procedures of the service system 100 of this embodiment for supporting workers' tasks, digitizing work records, and providing information when warnings are needed.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of Server Device 1. Server Device 1 is a server computer or a personal computer. In the following description, Server Device 1 will be described as consisting of a single server computer, but it may also be configured with multiple server computers connected via a network for distributed processing.

[0030] Server device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a storage unit 11, and a communication unit 12. The processing unit 10 uses one of the following processors: CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The processing unit 10 incorporates and uses memory, which is a temporary storage medium, such as SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Based on the battery information output program P1 stored in the storage unit 11, the processing unit 10 executes a process to output information about the lead-acid battery to the client device 2.

[0031] The storage unit 11 uses non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 11 stores data that the processing unit 10 references. The storage unit 11 stores the battery information output program P1 (program product). The battery information output program P1 may be a copy of the battery information output program P9 stored in the storage medium 9, read by the processing unit 10 and stored in the storage unit 11. The battery information output program P1 may also be a program downloaded from a device by another program server via the communication unit 12 and stored.

[0032] The memory unit 11 stores a malfunction detection flow according to the type of lead-acid battery and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery was installed. Here, the type of lead-acid battery is distinguished by its battery model. Based on the battery model, sealed batteries (VRLA (Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid), also called sealed batteries) and liquid batteries (also called vented batteries) can be distinguished. The type of lead-acid battery is associated with the type of vehicle or equipment in which it can be installed. The type of vehicle or equipment is classified as a vehicle, agricultural machinery, or ship, etc. If the target of the lead-acid battery is equipment rather than a vehicle, the type of equipment is classified as an emergency power supply, uninterruptible power supply, lighting equipment, communication equipment, or measuring equipment. Even if it is a vehicle, the type of vehicle is classified as a two-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, an idling stop (IS) specification vehicle, a European vehicle (EN (European Norm) standard battery), a forklift, etc. The types of equipment in which the target lead-acid batteries were installed may also be categorized by vehicle manufacturer.

[0033] The memory unit 11 stores account data for workers of a dealership or maintenance company. The worker's account data includes an account ID, the name of the dealership or maintenance company, regional data identifying the location of the store or business, and contact data such as a telephone number and email address.

[0034] The storage unit 11 stores the lead-acid battery's serial number, the lead-acid battery's condition, and information about the vehicle or equipment in which it is installed in the claim database 111, in association with the identification data (document ID) of the document recording the claim for the lead-acid battery. The claim database 111 may be stored in an external storage device and be readable and writable by the processing unit 10.

[0035] The communication unit 12 enables communication with the client device 2 via the network N. Specifically, the communication unit 12 is a network card. The communication unit 12 may be a wireless communication device connected to a carrier network N3, or a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi. The processing unit 10 can send and receive data with the client device 2 via the communication unit 12.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of a decision flow stored in the memory unit 11. The memory unit 11 stores a correspondence table and a decision flow. The correspondence table is the relationship between the battery type of the lead-acid battery, the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, and the alphabet (A, B, C) that identifies the decision flow. The decision flow is data that describes the procedure for branching according to the battery type of the lead-acid battery and the type of vehicle or equipment in which it is installed, according to the input data from the operator and the measurement results from the tester, and according to the measured specific gravity, voltage value, etc.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 3, for instance, a lead-acid battery with battery model "ABC-001-001" is stored as being of type "VRLA" and intended for "four-wheeled vehicles (standard vehicles)", "idling stop (IS) vehicles", or "charge control vehicles". The system stores that if the lead-acid battery with battery model "ABC-001-001" is used in a "four-wheeled vehicle (standard vehicle)", the system proceeds with the determination flow "A" procedure; if used in an "idling stop (IS) vehicle", the system proceeds with the determination flow "B" procedure; and if used in a "charge control vehicle", the system proceeds with the determination flow "C" procedure.

[0038] In another example shown in Figure 3, the lead-acid battery with battery model "XYZ-040-001" is stored as being of type "liquid type," and is intended for "large vehicles" and "vehicles with idle stop (IS)." The lead-acid battery with battery model "XYZ-040-001" is stored as being determined by following the procedure in the determination flow "E."

[0039] In another example shown in Figure 3, the lead-acid battery with battery model "HIJ-050-001" is of type "liquid type" and is intended for "two-wheeled vehicles," and the determination is stored to proceed according to the procedure in the determination flow "D." The lead-acid battery with battery model "GY123" is of type "VRLA" and is intended for "uninterruptible power supplies," and the determination is stored to proceed according to the procedure in the determination flow "C."

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 3, the judgment flow "A" first includes the voltage measurement result and the next procedure or judgment result depending on whether the tester measurement result is "Good," "Recharge Required," "Caution & Retest Required," or "Bad." The judgment results include "1: Good product," "2: Variation in specific gravity," "3: Unable to charge," "4: Cell short circuit" (not shown), "5: Insufficient capacity," "6: Over-discharged," "7: Discharged," "8: Severely degraded," "9: Open wire," etc. The memory unit 11 stores the action that the operator should take according to the judgment result of the judgment flow, such as "Return to user," "2: Recycling (collection)," or "3: Send to manufacturer." Based on the data of the judgment flow, the processing unit 10 can output the next procedure (work item), judgment result, and necessary action in response to input from the operator, as described later.

[0041] The decision flow is not limited to a table-like branching structure as shown in Figure 3, but may also be stored in a search tree structure. A learning model, trained using a neural network to take the type of tester, the open voltage and specific gravity measured by the tester, and the tester's decision result as input, and output a decision result, may be stored, and the processing unit 10 may use that learning model as the decision flow.

[0042] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of client device 2. Client device 2 is a laptop or desktop personal computer. Client device 2 may also be a smartphone or tablet device.

[0043] The client device 2 comprises a processing unit 20, a storage unit 21, a communication unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and an imaging unit 25.

[0044] The processing unit 20 includes one or more processors such as CPUs, MPUs, GPUs, and NPUs. The processing unit 20 executes the client program P2 stored in the storage unit 21. Based on the client program P2, the processing unit 20 sends and receives data to and from the server device 1. The client program P2 includes a web browser program.

[0045] The storage unit 21 uses non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD. The storage unit 21 stores data that the processing unit 20 references. The storage unit 21 stores various programs, including the client program P2. The client program P2 may be a copy of the client program P8 (program product) stored on the storage medium 8, read by the processing unit 20 and stored in the storage unit 21. The client program P2 may also be downloaded from another program server or device via the communication unit 22 and stored.

[0046] The communication unit 22 enables communication with the server device 1 via the network N. The communication unit 22 is, for example, a network card. The communication unit 22 may be a wireless communication device connected to a carrier network N3, or a wireless communication device for Wi-Fi. The processing unit 20 can send and receive data to and from the server device 1 via the communication unit 22.

[0047] The display unit 23 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 displays the GUI (Graphical User Interface) of various application programs. The processing unit 20 displays the screen on the display unit 23 based on the client program P2 and the data provided from the server device 1.

[0048] The operation unit 24 is a user interface such as a keyboard and mouse that can input and output to and from the processing unit 20. The operation unit 24 may be a touch panel built into the display unit 23. The operation unit may be physical buttons, or the operation unit 24 may be an audio input / output unit including a microphone.

[0049] The imaging unit 25 can capture images of a sheet, a two-dimensional code, or an image of the battery model number attached to the package of a lead-acid battery. The imaging unit 25 may also capture images of the battery model number printed or engraved on the housing of the lead-acid battery. The imaging unit 25 is not essential.

[0050] This section describes the process in which the service system 100, configured in this way, receives a claim for a lead-acid battery, determines the defect in the server device 1 according to the battery type and application of the lead-acid battery according to the determined procedure, and outputs the determination result to the client device 2. Figures 5-7 are flowcharts of an example of the processing procedure in the service system 100. The worker of the sales office or maintenance business that receives the claim for the lead-acid battery uses the client device 2 to input (log in) the account data that has been assigned to the worker in advance. The server device 1 and the client device 2 execute the following processes when the account data is entered by the client device 2.

[0051] The processing unit 20 of the client device 2 sends a request for the claim input screen, along with the operator's account data, to the server device 1 (step S201).

[0052] When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives a request from the input screen (step S101), it issues a claim slip ID (step S102) and creates claim data for the lead-acid battery (step S103). In step S103, the processing unit 10 identifies the account ID of the dealer or maintenance business operator associated with the worker's account data included in the request and adds it to the claim data.

[0053] The processing unit 10 creates an input screen that reflects the slip ID and account ID (step S104), and sends the data from the created input screen to the client device 2 (step S105).

[0054] The processing unit 20 of the client device 2 receives data from the input screen (step S202) and displays the input screen on the display unit 23 (step S203). The processing unit 20 receives input from the input screen displayed on the display unit 23 to determine whether the target battery is a battery that was installed in the vehicle or equipment when new (new battery) or a battery that has been replaced (repair battery) (step S204). The processing unit 20 determines whether it has been input that it is a new battery (step S205), and if it determines that it has been input that it is a new battery (S205: YES), it accepts input of the battery model (step S206). In step S206, the processing unit 20 may accept character input via the operation unit 24, or it may accept it by character recognition from an image captured by the imaging unit 25 of a sheet or the like that which has the battery model attached to the housing of the lead-acid battery.

[0055] The processing unit 20 receives input of the type of vehicle or equipment in which the target lead-acid battery was installed (step S207). In step S207, the processing unit 20 may skip depending on the battery type. For example, if the battery type is compatible with both idle-stop vehicles and normal vehicles, it will accept input for either in step S207, but if the battery type is exclusively for idle-stop vehicles, the processing in step S207 will be skipped.

[0056] The processing unit 20 transmits to the server device 1 that the target lead-acid battery is a new battery, the entered battery model number, and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery was installed (step S208). In step S208, if the operator is entering information on the input screen displayed on the web application, the entered information may be automatically transmitted to the server device 1 in the background by a script associated with the input screen.

[0057] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives information that the battery is new, the input battery model, and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery was installed (step S106).

[0058] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 determines a decision flow stored in the storage unit 11 based on the battery type of the lead-acid battery received in step S106 and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery was installed (step S108). The processing unit 10 then updates the input screen displayed on the client device 2 according to the items entered on the input screen according to the determined decision flow (step S109). In step S109, the processing unit 10 may transmit the decision flow and cause the client device 2 to update the input screen based on the decision flow.

[0059] In client device 2, if it is determined in step S205 that the battery is a replacement battery and not a new battery (S205: NO), the processing unit 20 accepts the input of a battery type search string and a search instruction on the input screen (step S209). The processing unit 20 displays a list of battery types that match the search string in a selectable format (step S210). In step S210, even if the battery type is the same, the list is displayed in a selectable format that distinguishes between the types of vehicles or equipment that can be equipped with that type of lead-acid battery.

[0060] The processing unit 20 accepts the selection of a battery type from the list (step S211). The processing unit 20 transmits the battery type of the selected lead-acid battery and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery was installed to the server device 1 (step S212).

[0061] When the processing unit 20 of the client device 2 receives the battery type of the selected lead-acid battery and the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed (step S107), it determines a decision flow (S108). The processing unit 20 updates the input screen sequentially according to the items entered on the input screen in accordance with the determined decision flow (S109).

[0062] Each time the input screen is updated by the server device 1, the processing unit 20 of the client device 2 accepts input for each item regarding the claim-covered lead-acid battery, including the tester's measurement results, on the input screen (step S213). In step S213, the processing unit 20 accepts input of data that the operator can know regarding the items displayed on the input screen, such as the external image of the lead-acid battery captured by the imaging unit 25, and transmits it to the server device 1 each time it is accepted (step S214). As a result, items are entered into the input screen, and the necessary items are updated sequentially.

[0063] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives data for each item transmitted from the client device 2 (step S110). Based on the judgment flow determined in step S108, the processing unit 10 determines the judgment result and the action to be taken (step S111). The processing unit 10 transmits the determined judgment result and action to the client device 2 (step S112).

[0064] The processing unit 10 determines whether the result of the judgment regarding the state of the lead-acid battery, which was determined in step S111, is determined to be a broken wire (step S113). If the processing unit 10 determines that it is a broken wire (S113: YES), in addition to the action to be taken in step S111 (for example, "send to manufacturer"), it decides to prohibit supplemental charging (step S114) and outputs "Prohibit supplemental charging" on the screen displayed on the client device 2 (step S115).

[0065] The processing unit 20 of the client device 2 receives the judgment result and action details, including an output prohibiting supplemental charging (step S215), and displays a screen on the display unit 23 that emphasizes "Do not perform supplemental charging" along with the received judgment result and action details (step S216). In step S216, the processing unit 20 may also display the warning image received from the server device 1. If the action details are determined to be "recall" or "send to manufacturer," the processing unit 20 may display a screen to proceed with the recall procedure or the sending procedure.

[0066] In step S216, the processing unit 20 may display not only messages but also images including videos on the display unit 23 based on the data output from the server device 1. The processing unit 20 may also output audio such as a buzzer sound.

[0067] The processing unit 20 accepts registration by selecting the registration interface for the claim displayed on the input screen (step S217). Once registration is accepted on the input screen, the server device 1 is notified.

[0068] Upon receiving the registration notification, the processing unit 10 of server device 1 stores various data in the claim DB 111 in association with the slip ID issued in step S102 (step S116), and terminates the process. In step S116, the processing unit 10 stores the data for each item received from client device 2, the determination result determined by the processing unit 10 itself, and the processing details.

[0069] If, in step S113, the processing unit 10 determines that there is no disconnection (S113: NO), it decides to perform supplemental charging in addition to the action decided in step S111 (step S117), and outputs "Supplemental charging performed" on the screen displayed on the client device 2 (step S118).

[0070] Even if a disconnection is not detected, the processing unit 20 of the client device 2 receives the detection result and action details, including the implementation of supplemental charging (step S218), and displays a screen on the display unit 23 that emphasizes the received detection result and action details, along with the statement "Perform supplemental charging" (step S219). If the action details are to perform supplemental charging and then "return" the device to the user (dealer, retailer, etc.), the processing unit 20 may display a screen to proceed with the return procedure.

[0071] The processing unit 20 accepts registration by selecting the registration interface for the claim displayed on the input screen (step S220). Once registration is accepted on the input screen, the server device 1 is notified.

[0072] Upon receiving the registration notification, the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 stores various data in the claim DB 111 in association with the slip ID issued in step S102 (step S119), and then terminates the process. The processing in step S119 is the same as the processing in step S116.

[0073] Next, the processing procedure shown in Figure 5-7 will be explained with reference to the example display. The following example focuses on lead-acid batteries installed in vehicles, but the same procedure applies not only to vehicles but also to industrial equipment such as emergency power supply systems, uninterruptible power supplies, lighting equipment, communication equipment, and measuring instruments that are equipped with lead-acid batteries, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an example of the input screen 230. The input screen 230 is displayed on the display unit 23 after the operator enters account data using the client device 2. The input screen 230 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on a web browser.

[0075] The input screen 230 shown in Figure 8 includes a complaint reception screen 231 for entering data related to complaint reception. The complaint reception screen 231 shown in Figure 8 is pre-filled with the slip ID "12345" and the ID of the store where the complaint was received, "T987-654," based on the account data sent from the client device 2 along with the complaint request.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, the claim acceptance screen 231 includes radio buttons 2311 that accept input indicating whether the lead-acid battery subject to the claim is a battery that was installed in a new vehicle (new battery) or a battery that has been replaced (repair battery). The claim acceptance screen 231 also includes a display field 2312 that displays the battery model of the lead-acid battery subject to the claim, which is entered via the input field 2313 described later or by search.

[0077] In the claim acceptance screen 231 shown in Figure 8, the radio button 2311 indicates that the battery is new. As a result, the battery type input field 2313, the vehicle selection list 2314, and the registration button 2315 are enabled in the claim acceptance screen 231 in Figure 8, while the battery type search string input field 2316 and the search button 2317 are disabled. Next to the battery type input field 2313 and the vehicle selection list 2314 in the claim acceptance screen 231 in Figure 8, a camera icon 2318 is displayed to activate the imaging unit 25 and take an image of the sheet or other item attached to the lead-acid battery housing that lists the battery type.

[0078] Figure 9 shows another example of the input screen 230. Figure 9 shows the updated claim acceptance screen 231 after the battery type string has been entered into the battery type input field 2313 shown in Figure 8 and the registration button 2315 has been pressed. In Figure 9, the battery type name "ABC-001-001" is entered into the input field 2313, and then "4-wheel vehicle (standard vehicle)" is selected in the vehicle type selection list 2314. When the registration button 2315 is selected, the model name "ABC-001-001" is reflected in the display field 2312. The vehicle type selection list 2314 becomes active and selectable when there are multiple types of vehicles that can be equipped with the lead-acid battery of the battery type entered in the input field 2313.

[0079] Figure 10 shows another example of the input screen 230. The input screen 230 shown in Figure 10 is the screen displayed on the display unit 23 after the operator has entered account data using the client device 2, similar to Figure 8. In the example shown in Figure 10, the slip ID "12356" and the ID of the store where the complaint was received, "T987-654", have already been entered.

[0080] In the claim acceptance screen 231 of the input screen 230 shown in Figure 10, the radio button 2311 has been selected as "repair battery". As a result, in the claim acceptance screen 231 of Figure 10, the battery type input field 2313 is hidden, and the battery type search string input field 2316 and the search button 2317 are enabled. In the claim acceptance screen 231 of Figure 10, "XYZ " is entered in the battery type search string input field 2316.

[0081] Figure 11 shows another example of the input screen 230. In Figure 11, the search button 2317 is selected in the battery type search string input field 2316 of the claim acceptance screen 231 shown in Figure 10. In Figure 11, the pop-up search results screen 232 is superimposed on the claim acceptance screen 231.

[0082] The search results screen 232 includes a list 2321 of battery types in the search results, an OK button 2322 to confirm the selected battery type, and a Cancel button 2323 to return to the input screen 230 without making a selection. The list 2321 includes radio buttons to select which battery type to choose. The list 2321 associates the name of the battery type with the type of vehicle or equipment that can be equipped with that lead-acid battery, allowing for selection based on the type of vehicle or equipment that can be equipped with the battery. In the example shown in Figure 11, among the search results for the search string "XYZ", the battery type "XYZ-040-001" of the lead-acid battery installed in an "idling stop (IS) vehicle" is selected.

[0083] Figure 12 shows another example of the input screen 230. Figure 12 shows the claim acceptance screen 231 that appears when a battery type is selected from the list 2321 displayed on the search results screen 232 shown in Figure 11, and the OK button 2322 is selected. In the claim acceptance screen 231 of Figure 12, the selected battery type "XYZ-040-001" is reflected.

[0084] Figure 13 shows another example of the input screen 230. Figure 13 shows the vehicle screen 234 of the input screen 230, which accepts data on the vehicle (equipment) that can be displayed by inputting data as shown in Figures 7-12, on the claim acceptance screen 231. The vehicle screen 234 includes fields 2341 for accepting input of the manufacturer, name, and model of the vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery subject to the claim was installed, if it is a vehicle.

[0085] The processing unit 10 of the server device 1 can acquire data on the vehicle or equipment to which the claim is based, based on the vehicle screen 234 of the input screen 230 shown in Figure 13, and together with the battery type of the lead-acid battery, it can determine the judgment flow.

[0086] Figure 14 shows the investigation request screen 235 for inputting the investigation results of a storage battery. The investigation request screen 235 displays input fields sequentially and enables / deactivates them according to the judgment flow determined based on the data entered into the claim request screen 231. In the investigation request screen 235 of Figure 14, based on judgment flow "A" determined for a sealed lead-acid battery, a message prompting input of the tester's investigation results is displayed, and the field for accepting the tester's measurement results is enabled. The investigation request screen 235 also accepts the type of tester. The selection of tester judgment results is updated according to the type of tester.

[0087] When the measurement results from the tester are entered into the field on the survey request screen 235 in Figure 14, the input screen 230 is updated and the survey request screen 235 shown in Figure 15 is displayed. Figure 15 shows an example of the survey request screen 235. The survey request screen 235 shows that the open voltage is 12.22[V] as the measurement result from the tester, and the tester's judgment result is "Recharge Required". When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the input data, it displays a message to the worker stating that the next action to take is to "perform supplemental charging" based on the judgment flow "A". As a result, on the survey request screen 235 in Figure 15, a message prompting the worker to perform the procedure "Perform supplemental charging. Then measure again with the tester" is displayed in the message display field 2351, and the field for receiving the input of the measurement results from the tester is enabled. When the measurement results from the tester are entered into the field of the survey request screen 235 in Figure 15, the input screen 230 is updated and the survey request screen 235 shown in Figure 16 is displayed.

[0088] Figure 16 shows an example of the updated investigation request screen 235. The investigation request screen 235 shows that, as a result of supplemental charging, the open voltage increased and the tester's judgment result was good (GOOD), and these measurement results were entered by the operator's operation on the control unit 24. In the investigation request screen 235 of Figure 16, the details of the defect determined according to judgment flow "A" are shown based on the input of the measurement results from the tester. In the investigation request screen 235 of Figure 16, the final judgment result "Good" and action "Return" are shown, and the device is returned to the user.

[0089] In the investigation reception screen 235 of Figure 16, a "Register" button 2352 is displayed alongside the final judgment result and action. When the "Register" button 2352 is selected by the operation unit 24, the server device 1 receives notification of registration. As a result, various items entered in the claim reception screen 231, various information about the vehicle or equipment received in the vehicle screen 234, and the tester measurement results and judgment results based on the judgment flow received in the investigation reception screen 235 are all stored in association with the slip ID. Previously, claim reception slips were created by workers filling out paper documents, but now they are digitized and recorded in the server device 1.

[0090] Figure 17 shows another example of the survey request screen 235. Similar to Figure 14, Figure 17 is displayed according to the judgment flow determined by the server device 1. In the survey request screen 235 of Figure 17, a message prompting input of the tester's results is displayed based on judgment flow "E" determined for liquid-type lead-acid batteries, and the field for accepting the tester's measurement results is enabled. The survey request screen 235 also accepts the type of tester. The selection of tester judgment results is updated according to the type of tester.

[0091] When the measurement results from the tester are entered into the field 235 of the survey request screen 235 in Figure 17, the input screen 230 is updated and the survey request screen 235 shown in Figure 18 is displayed. Figure 18 shows another example of the updated survey request screen 235. The survey request screen 235 shows that the open voltage is 0.0[V] and the tester's judgment result is "degraded (BAD)". When the processing unit 10 of the server device 1 receives the input data, it determines the state of the target lead-acid battery as "open circuit" based on the judgment flow "E" and decides to "send to manufacturer" as the action to be taken. As a result, the survey request screen 235 in Figure 18 displays a message in the results field 2353 stating "Do not perform supplemental charging" and a warning message about what to do if supplemental charging is performed. The survey request screen 235 in Figure 18 displays a play button 2354 for an educational video advising against supplemental charging of a lead-acid battery with a "open circuit" status. If the play button 2354 is selected, a video playback screen may be superimposed on the input screen 230, or a screen displaying still images based on records of past accidents may be output.

[0092] In Figure 18, the survey request screen 235 also includes a "Register" button 2352 alongside the final judgment result and action. When the "Register" button 2352 is selected by the operation unit 24, the server device 1 receives notification of registration.

[0093] This is expected to raise awareness among workers at dealerships and maintenance service providers to avoid mistakenly recharging lead-acid batteries suspected of having a broken wire. The service system 100 also allows for the creation of document files of the assessment results, and presenting these document files to end users as reports will increase their satisfaction.

[0094] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 Service Systems 1 Server device 10 Processing Unit 11 Storage section 111 Claims DB P1 Battery Information Output Program 2 Client devices 20 Processing Units 23 Display section

Claims

1. Computers The system stores a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed. The type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed is accepted. Based on the type of lead-acid battery received and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, a determination flow is determined. Based on the determined judgment flow, the input of the investigation results for the lead-acid battery is received. Based on the investigation results received, if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken, it will be decided not to perform supplemental charging. Outputs a warning to disable supplemental charging. Battery information output method.

2. The aforementioned computer, Based on the aforementioned decision flow, the items to be investigated next are determined sequentially according to the received investigation results. The aforementioned items include a supplemental charging procedure that investigates the state of the lead-acid battery after supplemental charging has been performed. If the aforementioned supplemental charging item is determined to be an item to be investigated, the output will be output regarding the implementation of supplemental charging for the lead-acid battery. The battery information output method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned computer, The type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed are received via a screen displayed on the client device. The determined judgment flow, the next item to be investigated based on the judgment flow, and the input interface for the investigation results for that item are output to the screen. The input interface of the aforementioned client device accepts the input of the survey results. If it is decided not to perform supplemental charging, a message or image corresponding to the prohibition of supplemental charging will be displayed on the screen. The battery information output method according to claim 2.

4. The computer executes a process to output a warning image along with prohibiting the supplemental charging. A battery information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The battery information output method according to claim 4, wherein the warning image includes a video or still image of an accident that occurred when a lead-acid battery with a broken wire was charged.

6. The system stores a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed. The type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed is accepted. Based on the type of lead-acid battery received and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, a determination flow is determined. Based on the determined judgment flow, the input of the investigation results for the lead-acid battery is received. Based on the investigation results received, if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken, it will be decided not to perform supplemental charging. Outputs a warning to disable supplemental charging. A battery information output device equipped with a processing unit.

7. On the computer, The system stores a determination flow corresponding to the type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed. The type of lead-acid battery and / or the type of vehicle or equipment on which the lead-acid battery is installed is accepted. Based on the type of lead-acid battery received and / or the type of vehicle or equipment in which the lead-acid battery is installed, a determination flow is determined. Based on the determined judgment flow, the input of the investigation results for the lead-acid battery is received. Based on the investigation results received, if the condition of the lead-acid battery is determined to be broken, it will be decided not to perform supplemental charging. Outputs a warning to disable supplemental charging. A computer program that executes a process.

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